Kikusui Perfect Snow
Ryujin

Ryujin

513 Grand St, 11211, Brooklyn, United States

Ramen • Casual • Mexican • Japanese


"Ryujin stands as a humble haven for ramen enthusiasts seeking a comforting culinary experience. Though its unassuming exterior may not immediately catch the eye, it's the quality of the cuisine within that truly sets this establishment apart. With a touch of refinement, a dash of spice, and a warm ambiance, Ryujin captivates its patrons with each steaming bowl of delectable ramen. Here, we embark on a flavorful journey that transcends the mundane, revealing the magic of this unpretentious eatery.My taste buds were tantalized by the Samurai Spicy Miso ramen, a true testament to the culinary prowess of Ryujin. The noodles, cooked to perfection, possessed a delightful texture that flawlessly complemented the rich, savory broth. Every spoonful was an orchestra of flavors, with the umami goodness of miso harmonizing seamlessly with the fiery heat of spices. The broth, simmered to perfection, displayed an impeccable depth that left a lasting impression on my palate. Succulent slices of tender meat and vibrant vegetables added both substance and a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall symphony of flavors. If there was one minor complaint, it would be that the dish was a little skimpy on the pork loin, but it was a minor qualm in an otherwise remarkable experience.It is true that Ryujin's exterior may not win any design awards, but one should never judge a book by its cover. As I passed by numerous times, the unassuming façade failed to draw me in until curiosity finally got the better of me. Perhaps a simple awning or a touch of redesign at the entrance could help beckon more patrons into this hidden gem. Once I stepped inside, however, any lingering reservations dissipated as the aroma of simmering broth and the warm welcome of the staff embraced me.During my visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing Ryujin during a relatively calm hour. As I relished my final bites, a steady stream of customers began to fill the space, causing the lovely woman behind the counter to gracefully transition into multitasking mode. It was heartening to witness her dedication and composure as she efficiently catered to the growing crowd. This testament to their customer service only further solidified Ryujin's status as a neighborhood treasure, cherished by locals and newcomers alike.Ryujin epitomizes the essence of comfort ramen, beckoning visitors to indulge in a soul-warming culinary adventure. With each mouthful, one can feel the careful craftsmanship and passion that goes into every dish. The unpretentious atmosphere serves as the perfect backdrop to savor the artistry of the chefs, allowing the flavors to take center stage.A journey to Ryujin in Williamsburg is an invitation to embrace the unexpected, to relish in the beauty that lies beneath the surface. Beyond the modest exterior, this unassuming haven offers a transformative experience through its extraordinary ramen. From the meticulously cooked noodles to the rich and flavorsome broth, every element of their Samurai Spicy Miso ramen harmonizes into a symphony of taste. As the delightful staff navigates the ebb and flow of patrons, the sense of community only adds to the enchantment. While the dish could have used a bit more pork loin, it remains a minor quibble in an overall remarkable experience. Ryujin is undoubtedly a culinary treasure, worthy of a visit for all those seeking the ultimate comfort in a bowl of ramen."

Pho Cafe

Pho Cafe

2841 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, United States

Cafe • Soup • Asian • Vietnamese


"Pho Cafe is Just Okay. Went there for lunch today with my son. We got there at 12:15 PM and there was no crowd so we were able to get the 'feel ' and 'mood ' of the place a few minutes before the lunchtime bustle. I had the Beef Pho with tendon and tripe, while my son had the Chicken Pho. We both agreed that the flavor of the soups were nothing to rave about, but nothing to criticise either. The pho at Golden Deli in San Gabriel is more flavorful, rich, with bigger portions of meat, while Pho Cafe offers a 'short and to the point, ' kind of approach in its bowls with nominal flavor and mere slivers of cuts compared to Golden Deli. For appetizers, we ordered the spring rolls with lemongrass steak and shrimp. My son prefered these over Goldens Deli 's crisp and rich egg rolls. Pho Cafe 's spring rolls are refreshing (surf and turf with white rice and herbs) especially in the afternoon to cool you down on a hot day. By 12:30PM a few of the locals started to trickle in with the waiter staff noticeably becoming more busy with preparing more glasses and less on attending to our needs at the tables. The staff is minimal in its hospitality (nominal warmth in hosting, no smiles, but dutifully accomodating) with a hint of pleasantness when you finish giving your order. Parking was available during lunchtime, but because of the obscurity of its location (it 's nestled within a strip mall with no obvious sign) we parked on the street (metered parking with an hour for every quarter you put in the meter). The atmosphere was definitely minimalist chic with high ceilings, orange chairs, tables for two, and an echo that permeates the room causing you to start chattering over each other as you converse over your meal. The beer list is pretty diverse in selection (Singha/Thai, Red Stripe/Jamaican, 333/Vietnamese, Tsingtao/Chinese, Corona, Heineken, etc) and great for meeting up with buddies who like to throw back a couple of cold ones after work. If you 're looking to take a date to a quiet place and speak in whispers and hushed tones, this place is not the place to go to. The tables are very close to each other so there is no 'personal space ' if you 're someone who feels uncomfortable sitting so close to strangers. However, this is a great place for singles or extroverts looking to meet new people, strike up conversations, and to spot eye candy (two attractive women sat next to us). All-in-all, Pho Cafes strong points are twofold: a good place to get the bare-bone minimal--a decent, hot bowl of Vietnamese soup to fill you up and to 'people watch/socialize ' in a hip vibe with good beer and cheer with friends ."